Fairfax City will kick off a week-long celebration of its local, small businesses tomorrow (Thursday).
Fairfax City Economic Development (FCED) has teamed up with the Central Fairfax Chamber of Commerce and the Old Town Fairfax Business Association for the city’s first-ever “Shop Local Week,” which will unfold from July 25 through next Wednesday, July 31.
In addition to highlighting locally owned retail shops, the initiative aims to “establish Fairfax City as a regional destination for unique finds,” according to a press release.
“Fairfax City Shop Local Week takes advantage of summer leisure time with family and friends to discover our local gems,” Fairfax City Mayor Catherine Read said in the release. “Our locally owned businesses are focused on building relationships in the community and welcoming visitors to experience what makes our city unique.”
The participating businesses include:
- Clothing and beauty stores: Mode on Main by Mara, Brooke’s Bridal & Ball, Smiley Skin Beauty, Lucy Loves and Perfect Mistakes Boutique
- Health and fitness centers: Omni Wellness & Performance, eXurb Fitness and Heart N Soul Yoga Studio
- Recreational retailers: Fairfax Surf Shop, Paradise Games and Gifts, Romp n’ Roll and Down the Line Sports Center
Each day of Shop Local Week will bring different promotions, from charity events to sidewalk sales.
For Community Cares Thursday, retailers will support local charities. Mode on Main, for example, will raise funds for the Friends of Fairfax County Animal Shelter, and Brooke’s Bridal & Ball is helping Operation Deploy Your Dress, which provides formalwear to military families.
From 5-7 p.m. tomorrow, Smiley Skin Beauty will host players from the D.C. Divas, who will sign autographs and take photos.
Friday Social will bring sip-and-shop events accompanied by the city’s monthly “Rock the Block” summer concert from 6:30-9:30 p.m. at Old Town Square Park. Other activities will include selfies with Weber’s Pet Supermarket’s dog and cat, champagne and a prize wheel at Brooke’s Bridal and Beyond, and a Mom’s Night Out at Mode on Main by Mara, where Romp n’ Roll will give out swag bags.
Over the weekend, there will be sidewalk sales around the city and pop-ups from participating retailers at Fairfax Funky Flea.
Next week begins with Discovery Day Monday, which will highlight more niche businesses with “meet the maker” talks and pop-ups in different stores.
Then, beauty services will take the spotlight on Treat Yourself Tuesday, with Smiley Skin Beauty offering massages and facials at Omni Wellness & Performance from noon to 2 p.m. Registration is also still open for a mini photoshoot and personal styling sessions at Mode on Main by Mara.
Shop Local Week will conclude with Wellness Wednesday, when Mara Hair and Mode Studio will offer hair and scalp consultations and Heart N’ Soul Yoga Studio will partner with Smiley Skin for yoga and spa treatments from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Tickets cost $35.
“Fairfax City Shop Local Week is an excellent opportunity for the community to support our local businesses while also experiencing unique and limited offers on the products and services the retailers have to offer,” FCED CEO and President Christopher Bruno said in the press release.
